Guyana/Venezuela controversy…Decision in November—UN chief

Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon, yesterday declared “I have to make an assessment by November” on the way forward with regard to the Venezuela border controversy with Guyana.

President David Granger and Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon pose for an official photograph at the UN Headquarters.

The Secretary-General made these comments during a meeting with President David Granger at the United Nations’ Headquarters in New York.
President David Granger, during the meeting, accepted this timetable and committed to providing any additional information, which Ban may need in order to complete his assessment. The Guyanese leader thanked Secretary-General Ban for his efforts.
Granger said, “We have been very impressed with the seriousness with which you have approached the problem and your own sincerity… We have been personally convinced that you want to bring closure to this matter.”
Subsequent to the meeting, President Granger said, “We support the process. We are confident that this process will lead to a conclusion that is satisfactory.”
Also attending the meeting on behalf of Guyana were Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Carl Greenidge; Sir Shridath Ramphal, who was present at the signing of the Geneva Agreement in 1966 between the United Kingdom, on behalf of the then British Guiana and Venezuela and Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Audrey Waddell.
Secretary Ban Ki-moon will demit office on December 31.